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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR

By: NPR
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NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays at 6:30 a.m. ET, with hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin and A Martinez. Also available on Saturdays at 9 a.m. ET, with Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon. On Sundays, hear a longer exploration behind the headlines with Ayesha Rascoe on "The Sunday Story," available by 8 a.m. ET. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirstCopyright 2015-2026 NPR - For Personal Use Only Politics & Government
Episodes
  • On the Iranian Border, More Military on the Way, Warm Western Winter

    On the Iranian Border, More Military on the Way, Warm Western Winter
    Mar 21 2026
    As the war in Iran enters its fourth week, Iranian civilians remain in the crossfire and the Pentagon is sending at least two Marine units to the region. In the American West, states reported their hottest and driest winter on record.

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    16 mins
  • Israel and Iran Trade Airstrikes, Trump Meets Japan PM, Kharg Island Future

    Israel and Iran Trade Airstrikes, Trump Meets Japan PM, Kharg Island Future
    Mar 20 2026
    Iran and Israel are trading airstrikes as the Israeli prime minister pushed back against claims he forced the U.S. into the war with Iran. Japan’s prime minister visited President Trump at the White House, where they talked about Iran and China, and 2,200 Marines are on their way to the Persian Gulf.

    Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

    Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Rebekah Metzler, Andrew Sussman, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

    It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ava Pukatch.

    Our director is Christopher Thomas.

    We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

    And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

    (0:00) Introduction
    (01:53) Israel and Iran Trade Airstrikes
    (05:51) Trump Meets Japan PM
    (09:08) Kharg Island Future

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    13 mins
  • Iran Attacks Energy Targets, DHS Confirmation Hearing, Cesar Chavez Abuse Allegations

    Iran Attacks Energy Targets, DHS Confirmation Hearing, Cesar Chavez Abuse Allegations
    Mar 19 2026
    Iran attacked energy targets around the Persian Gulf in response to an Israeli strike as the war escalates. President Trump's pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), faced a tense confirmation hearing. Allegations that the late labor leader Cesar Chavez sexually abused girls are leading to a re-examination of his legacy.

    Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

    Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Hannah Bloch, Kelsey Snell, Eric Whitney, HJ Mai and Alice Woelfle.

    It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

    Our director is Christopher Thomas.

    We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

    Our deputy executive producer is Kelley Dickens.

    (0:00) Introduction
    (01:58) Iran Attacks Energy Targets
    (06:15) DHS Confirmation Hearing
    (10:41) Cesar Chavez Abuse Allegations

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    14 mins

Featured Article: Stay Up to Date and Informed with the Best News Podcasts of All Time


In a world where breaking news headlines change hourly and we're inundated with constant notifications, articles, news blasts, and think pieces, it can be difficult to simply keep up with what's going on in the world—let alone make sense of it. That’s where podcasts come in. Ranging from global and breaking news to politics, art, and finance, these shows are hosted by experts in their fields. No matter what your interests, there's a podcast for you.

Featured Article Stay Up to Date and Informed with the Best News Podcasts of All Time
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So much of what people think of as news is just talking heads who try to appease their followers with whatever will make them angry or excited so that they continue to watch. This then feeds the talking head more money and power. There are not many true news channels left. This is one of them. It actually gathers the information and does its research And lets the listener decide.

Actual news not talking heads

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he title was good enjoyed listening to the audiobook. the story line was interesting. nice

good

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I always learn something listening to this program. It is my daily must-listen program to catch up on important news & insightful analysis. I greatly appreciate their fair-minded reporting.

Reporting with honesty & integrity

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I am so glad to hear Ayesha Roscoe hosting this show. I have been a fan of her reporting for some time. Up First is my favorite morning news podcast and it is great to hear her as a host.

Yay! Ayesha’s here!

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NPR offers this well produced, in-depth news for commuters. Their network of independent informed reporters do a great job explaining both domestic and international news.

Well produced, in-depth news for commuters

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